Colton, CA—On Wednesday, Jan. 21, a group of Colton High students led by Jeremiah Buena, rallied people to protest against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). From 3:45 to 6 p.m., the students marched along North Rancho Avenue, chanting “Fight the power” and lifting up their anti-ICE signs. 

“We can stand up for those who don’t have a voice and standing against what’s not right,” Buena said. “It’s just a lot about bringing the community together…we just have to protest peacefully and fight for our future.”

Students were outraged with recent actions by ICE. The agency’s actions have impacted the lives of many, including some of the students involved in the protest.

Violet Luna, one of the protesters, explained her family’s experience with ICE. “My grandma’s brother got taken by ICE and was deported. My family was really upset about it, and they don’t like to go outside sometimes because of ICE and their fear of getting taken away.”

While pacing up the street, protesters received a lot of supportive honks and even increased their numbers as some supporters joined them. Along the way, multiple students and a few parents united with the group to show support.

“It’s good to fight for what you believe in,” said a mother of one of the protesters who came out in support. “I wish a lot of people would’ve joined and let everybody know that we’re all humans here: one race, one kind, love, which is the human race.”

Not only did the protesters receive support and love from the community, but near the end of the protest there were a few hostile remarks from passersby. Profanity was used to discourage the protesters, and one shouted, “Go home! Trump’s actions are just!”

In face of these negative remarks, the politically-minded students remain head-strong and aim to hold another protest. The next will be held after school on Friday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m., outside of Colton High.